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Citizen's Academy

Ever wonder what police do? Have you seen the inside of a police station? Get these and more questions answered by attending the Tustin Police Department Citizen's Academy.

The Citizen's Academy is coordinated by the Professional Standards Division. Twice a year, the sixteen week academy introduces citizens to policing tactics and to the officers and other staff members of the Department. The Academy is held at the Police Department on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The Citizen's Academy provides individuals who live or work in the City an opportunity to be more involved in their community and gain a better understanding between citizens and police through education. The academy also provides our officers and staff with an opportunity to get to know our residents so that we can remain responsive to the needs and attitudes of the community.

The curriculum program provides graduates with an understanding of the issues facing law enforcement and how the police approach various problems with a "mini" police academy format. The curriculum and lectures include:

A Tour of the Police Facility

The Organizational Structure of the Department

Police Officer's Association & Community

Criminal Justice System

Patrol Procedures

Traffic

Firearms Familiarization

Use of Force

Weaponless Defense

Communications & Dispatch

School Resources Officers

Narcotics Enforcement

Professional Standards

Investigations

Gangs and Graffiti

Property

Crime Scene Investigation

SWAT

Special Enforcement Detail

K-9

Participant Requirements

Potential candidates for the Citizen's Academy must fill out an application which is available at the front counter of the Police Department. Candidates must meet the following criteria:

Minimum age of 18 years

Live or work in Tustin, or surrounding areas

No prior felony convictions

No serious misdemeanor arrests within one year of application

Due to the limited space in each academy class, participants must be able to commit to attending each week within the 16-week program. Students cannot select certain classes in the program to attend. In addition, due to the quick pace of the classes, they will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. each night.

Selection Process

Citizen's Academy participants are selected by the academy staff after review of the applications, a routine records check, and a brief interview. A waiting list is often established if the academy is full.